Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen has confirmed four fatalities from Monday's Mexican Navy aircraft crash in Galveston Bay, Texas—higher than the Navy's initial report of two deaths amid a humanitarian flight carrying burn victim baby Jazlyn. Two remain missing from the eight on board, with the child's condition unknown.
Following the December 22 crash of a Mexican Navy Beechcraft King Air (NX 1209) near the Gulf Freeway bridge while approaching Scholes International Airport—initially reported amid heavy fog with three deaths and one missing—the latest updates reveal discrepancies in the casualty toll.
The flight, part of Plan Marina, departed Mérida, Yucatán, to transport Jazlyn, a baby survivor of the September 10 pipeline explosion in Iztapalapa, via the Michou y Mau Foundation, which aids children with severe burns. Four Navy personnel and four civilians were aboard.
The Navy activated search and rescue, recovering six from the water and reporting two deaths and two missing. However, Sheriff Fullen told KPRC (CNN affiliate) the death toll is four. The foundation has not commented, and Jazlyn's condition remains unknown.
The aircraft vanished from FlightRadar24 radars before the crash. While weather like fog may have played a role, causes are under investigation by authorities including the FAA. Rescue efforts involved the US Coast Guard, divers, and drones. The Navy emphasizes air safety in such cross-border missions, underscoring risks in disaster aid.